Bowlers from across the Johannesburg Bowls Association (JBA) descended on Old Parktonian on June 28 for the JBA Finals Tournament, one of the most prestigious events on the association’s calendar.

The tournament spans several categories, including the open men, open women, and veterans aged 60 and above, and drew competitors from all 24 clubs currently affiliated to the JBA.

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Quarter-finals in the open men’s category got under way at 09:00, with semi-finals across all categories following through the course of the day.

Erika Lottring, who handles accounts at the JBA and is co-running the tournament alongside Wayne Schnitzer, said the event carries real weight in the local bowls calendar. The executive committee of Doug Tuck and Evan Schnabel, under president Anselm McLean, oversaw proceedings at the Old Parktonian greens.

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One of the day’s standout moments in the open men’s semi-finals came when veteran campaigner Wayne Rittmuller edged past Jerry Baker, of Morningside Country Club, in a tightly contested match. Baker, who has represented South Africa at six Commonwealth Games, was generous in defeat. “I always thought the winner of our game would probably win this thing. It was close. I had my chances and he played some great shots to keep his nose in front.”

Rittmiller, who has just been selected to represent South Africa at the upcoming Commonwealth Games, advances to the final.

Also heading to the Commonwealth Games is Morningside’s Jacqueline Janssen van Rensburg, a teacher who has been playing bowls for 22 years. Her selection, announced on Wednesday, has been a long time coming. “The Commonwealth Games has always been at the top of my bowls to-do list. To be part of a multi-sport event on that level is a once-in-a-lifetime dream.”

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